OVS is dedicated to helping students maintain mental wellness. High school is a key time when many adolescents experience stress, anxiety, and mental health issues. These issues can seriously impact both students and their families, particularly when students suffer in silence. The impacts of poor mental health are apparent in a student’s ability to learn, their work and, often, their overall grade.
At OVS, we have designed our programming to ensure both the academic success and overall well-being of our students. Our goal is to provide a positive learning environment where students can earn their high school credits with as little added stress as possible.
Here are just some of the ways OVS works to ensure the mental well-being of our students:
Our educational approach is completely asynchronous. Unlike the rigid nature of traditional high school courses, OVS courses are completely self-paced. We allow students up to one full year to complete any course, so they can earn credits at their own pace. With our flexible format, students are able to take mental health breaks with the peace of mind that they won’t be falling behind by doing so.
At OVS, we don’t believe in “busywork” – work for the sake of work. That is why all of our homework is made optional – students decide how much of the assigned homework they need to solidify their learning. In addition, all of our courses have been distilled to cover curriculum requirements with minimal number of assessments.
At OVS, we believe all students can benefit from additional time to complete tests and assessments. Extra time not only reduced test-based anxiety, but also provides students ample time to double-check their responses to ensure they are submitting their best work. That is why we allow all students up to 4 hours to complete unit tests, which would otherwise be completed in 75 minutes.
For students with Individual Education Plans (IEPs), our teachers can provide additional accommodations, where needed. Students can reach out to their teacher to provide a copy of their IEP and request these accommodations at any time. These are on a case-by-case basis, under advisement of our Guidance team.
Available 24/7, Kids Help Phone offers national support to Canadian students. Through Kids Help Phone, students can anonymously speak with a professional counsellor.
Call 1-800-6868 or text ‘CONNECT’ to 686868
Website: https://kidshelpphone.ca/
MindBeacon is currently free for Ontario Residents. You can visit their website to learn more about their Therapist Guided Program and support offerings.
Do you have an academic or pathway question?
Our Guidance Counsellors are here to help you!
